Uterine peristalsis in women affected by adenomyosis: A step towards functional assessment.

OBJECTIVE: The non-pregnant uterus shows an intrinsic contractility pattern, actively involved in early reproductive processes. Uterine contractility is characterized by endometrial waves that originate from the junctional zone and varies throughout the menstrual cycle due to fluctuations in the concentrations of hormones. The aim of this study was to compare the uterine contractility patterns in the periovulatory phase in a group of patients with isolated adenomyosis and a group of healthy women using transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS). METHODS: From March 2019 to March 2021, we enrolled consecutive nulliparous patients in the periovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle, divided in patients with isolated adenomyosis (group A, n = 18) and healthy patients in the control group (group B, n = 18). Patients who met the inclusion criteria underwent TVUS for the study of uterine contractility: the uterus was scanned on sagittal plane for 3 min and all the movies were recorded. Then, static images and video were evaluated offline and the uterine contractility patterns were defined. RESULTS: The patients belonging to the study group had a higher incidence of painful symptoms (dysmenorrhea, 6.11 ± 2.81 vs 1.39 ± 2.17; chronic pelvic pain, 2.56 ± 3.01 vs 0.39 ± 1.04) and a larger uterine volume (137.48 ± 117.69 vs 74.50 ± 27.58 cm3; P = 0.04). Regarding the uterine contractility, a statistically significant difference was observed about the retrograde patterns (group A, 27.8% vs group B, 72.2%, P < 0.01) and opposing (group A, 38.9% vs, group B, 5.6%, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The study confirms the presence of altered uterine peristalsis in the periovulatory phase in patients with adenomyosis. The abnormal uterine peristalsis could lead to both structural and functional changes, which are the basis of the clinical manifestations of adenomyosis and the perpetuation of the anatomical damage.

Not All Bad Comes to Harm: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery for Rectosigmoid Endometriosis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of implementing an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol on the length of hospitalization in women undergoing laparoscopy for rectosigmoid deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: An academic referral center for endometriosis and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. PATIENTS: Women aged between 18 and 50 years scheduled for laparoscopic excision (shaving, full-thickness anterior wall resection, segmental resection) of rectosigmoid endometriosis between February 2017 and February 2023. INTERVENTIONS: We divided patients into 2 groups (non-ERAS and ERAS) based on the timing of surgery (before or after March 5, 2020). Starting from this day, restrictions were issued to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, inducing our group to implement an ERAS protocol for patients hospitalized after surgery for posterior DIE. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We included 579 patients in the analysis, 316 (54.6%) in the non-ERAS group and 263 (45.4%) in the ERAS group. In the ERAS group, we observed a shorter length of hospital stay (5.8 ± 3.1 days vs 4.8 ± 2.9 days; p <.001) and lower complications rates (33, 12.5% vs 60, 19.0%; p = .04), despite a decreased frequency of conservative surgical approaches (shaving procedures 121 vs 196; p <.001). Repeated surgery or hospital readmissions owing to postdischarge complications were infrequent, with no significant differences between the 2 groups. The multiple linear regression analysis strengthened our results given the higher prevalence of bowel resection surgeries (both full-thickness anterior wall or segmental), showing that patients managed with a multimodal protocol had an overall reduction of hospital stay by 1.5 days. CONCLUSION: The implementation of an ERAS program in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for DIE is associated with a significant reduction in hospital stay, without an increase in perioperative or postoperative complication rates.

Endometriosis in the time of internet: how web navigation affects women with endometriosis.

OBJECTIVES: Patients often search for health-related information on the internet allthough this trend may have some benefits, it also has some risks, such as misinformation. The aim of this study is to evaluate how Internet information seeking affect the level of anxiety in patients with endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted at our outpatient clinic between March 2019 and December 2020. We enrolled We enrolled all patients with a confirmed sonographic diagnosis of endometriosis who had sought information about the disease prior to our visit. We divided them into two groups based on the source of information (Internet only vs multiple sources). Before the visit, we asked women to fill-in validated questionnaires about anxiety, such as the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD) and the Spielberg State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI- Y6) and the Endometriosis Health Profile (EHP) - 5. After the visit, the STAI-Y6 was resubmitted to each woman. RESULTS: We enrolled 200 women who filled-in the questionnaires: 46 reported the Internet as the only source of information, 52 sought information also from medically qualified sources, 74 consulted only healthcare professionals, and 28 resorted to medical journals. Women who used the Internet as their exclusive source of information were younger on average and their STAI-Y6 score after the visit was significantly lower compared to other group (34.1 ± 11.5 vs 42.1 ± 14.7, p = .001). Moreover, the difference between the STAI-Y6 scores before and after our assessment was higher in these women (-18.3 ± 14.7 vs -10.3 ± 16.5, p = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Women who sought information online were younger, had lower levels of state trait anxiety after our medical evaluation, and a had a greater reduction in anxiety levels after our examination compared to women who consulted other sources to learn more about endometriosis.KEY MESSAGESWomen using only Internet are younger than those who use other sources of information.Women who researched symptoms online showed higher pre-examination anxiety levels.Patients with severe pain symptoms consulted both the internet and professionals.

How much will it hurt? Factors associated with pain experience in women undergoing medication abortion during the first trimester.

OBJECTIVES: Few studies have investigated the features associated with pain levels during abortion. We aimed to investigate the risk factors for experiencing pain during medication abortion, focusing on women's psychological distress and anxiety levels. STUDY DESIGN: We carried out this observational study at two centers in Bologna, Italy. We included women aged 18 years or more with a viable intrauterine pregnancy of up to 63 days of amenorrhea, who chose medication abortion. Women received 600 mg of Mifepristone orally and after 48 hours 400 mcg of buccal misoprostol, repeated after 3 hours according to local and regional medication abortion guidelines, as well as prophylactic analgesia. We evaluated the clinical characteristics which may represent risk factors for severe pain (Visual Analogue Scale ≥ 70) through a multivariate model. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-two patients were included in our analysis; 92 (38.0%) reported severe pain during medication abortion. Women with higher baseline anxiety levels (General Health Questionnaire 12 score ≥ 6 and General Anxiety Disorder 7 score ≥ 10) had a higher probability of experiencing pain with a Visual Analogue Scale ≥70 (OR = 3.33, 95% CI 1.43-7.76), as well as those who reported dysmenorrhea in the past year (OR = 6.30, 95% CI 2.66-14.91). Previous vaginal deliveries were inversely correlated with pain intensity (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.14 - 0.50). CONCLUSIONS: Increased baseline anxiety levels, dysmenorrhea and no previous vaginal deliveries are associated with severe pain in women undergoing medication abortion. IMPLICATIONS: The identification of women at risk for severe pain based on clinical and historical factors as well as the definition of an adequate analgesic regimen may help to improve women's care and pain management during medication abortion.

Three-Dimensional Ultrasound Evaluation of Pelvic Floor Muscle Contraction in Women Affected by Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: Application of a Quick Contraction Scale.

OBJECTIVES: Using transperineal 3D/4D ultrasound, we evaluated the prevalence of the various categories of a 4-point pelvic contraction scale among women affected by ovarian endometriosis (OE), deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), and healthy controls. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on nulliparous women scheduled for surgery to remove endometriosis, and nulliparous healthy volunteers who did not show any clinical or sonographic signs of endometriosis, who served as controls. Patients were subjected to 3D/4D transperineal ultrasound obtaining measurements of the antero-posterior diameter (APD), both at rest and during maximal pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction (PFMC). The difference of APD from rest to maximal PFMC was then calculated as percent change from baseline (ΔAPD) and patients were thus categorized using the 4-point pelvic contraction scale. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-four patients were considered for the study. Mean difference in APD between relaxed state and maximal PFMC was 23.3 ± 7.9% (range 2.4-40.0) in controls, 20.5 ± 9.0% (range 0.0-37.3) in patients with OE, and 14.6 ± 10.4% (range 0.0-37.1) in patients with DIE (F-test = 19.5, P-value < .001). A significant negative correlation was found between the contraction scale and dyspareunia (rs = -0.17, P = .032), and it appeared to be stronger among patients with DIE (rs = -0.20, P = .076). CONCLUSIONS: PFM function in endometriotic patients could be assessed reliably through this 4-point scale. The rapid identification of women suffering from PFM dysfunction, along with deep dyspareunia, could enable gynecologists to offer them additional therapies, such as PFM rehabilitation.

The social media effect: the impact of fake news on women affected by endometriosis. A prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to evaluate women's awareness of endometriosis and their ability to identify fake news about endometriosis on the internet. The second outcome was to identify those characteristics which make women more likely to believe in fake news. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective observational study was conducted at our academic outpatient clinic for endometriosis and pelvic pain. We enrolled 172 patients referred to our Center due to the suspicion of endometriosis, who were asked to fill in a two-part questionnaire. The first part included socio-demographic information, the evaluation of anxiety status (STAI Y6 and GAD-7), and endometriosis related-symptoms (EHP-5). The second part of the questionnaire was about fake news: women were asked whether they had encountered six different statings when searching the Internet, and to judge the likelihood that those 6 topics were true. RESULTS: 76.3% of patients found fake news about endometriosis online. Higher STAI-Y6 scores were associated with a higher risk of finding fake news about endometriosis (OR 1.05, 95% C.I. 1.01-1.09, p = 0.013). More than half of patients who came across the news regarding the impossibility of obtaining pregnancy for women affected by endometriosis considered this news moderately or highly credible, 6% of them even considered it completely plausible. No demographic characteristics were associated with thehigher perceived plausibility of the fake news. CONCLUSION: Gynecologists should be aware that some hot topics concerning endometriosis are widely talked about on the web and that many statements found online have no scientific base. Through this knowledge physicians could more easily engage patients by acquiring important insight into their main concerns and doubts, and could provide women with reliable and correct information regarding their disease, dissipating doubts and misconceptions.

Effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on women affected by endometriosis: a large cross-sectional online survey.

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has forced healthcare providers to reorganize their activities to protect the population from infection, postponing or suspending many medical procedures. Patients affected by chronic conditions were among the most affected. In the case of catastrophes, women have a higher lifetime prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and those with endometriosis have higher anxiety levels, making them fragile in such circumstances. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, conducted in May 2020, we considered all women aged ≥18 years, followed up at our referral centre for endometriosis. Patients were sent an anonymous 6-section questionnaire via email, containing different validated tools for the evaluation of anxiety levels and the risk of PTSD. A multivariable linear regression was performed to assess the impact of patients' characteristics on the distress caused by the SARS-COV-2 pandemic. RESULTS: Among the 468 women recruited, 68.8% were quite-to-extremely worried about not being able to access gynaecologic care, with almost one-third of them scoring ≥33 on the IES-R. Older age and increased levels of anxiety were associated with higher risks of PTSD (age: b = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.12 - 0.44; GAD-7: b = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.38 - 2.05), with up to 71.8% of patients with severe anxiety (GAD-7 > 15) having an IES-R score ≥33 suggestive for PTSD. Women who could leave home to work showed lower levels of PTSD (b = -4.79, 95% CI = -8.44 to - 1.15, ref. unemployed women). The implementation of telemedicine in routine clinical practice was favourably viewed by 75.6% of women. DISCUSSION: Women with endometriosis are particularly exposed to the risk of PTSD during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, especially if they are older or have higher levels of anxiety. Gynaecologists should resort to additional strategies, and telemedicine could represent a feasible tool to help patients cope with this situation.KEY MESSAGESThe COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the lives of women with endometriosis, who appeared to have a considerable risk of PTSD.Older age, higher anxiety levels and unemployment were independently associated with the risk of developing PTSD.Clinicians should develop successful alternative strategies to help patients cope with this situation, and telemedicine might represent an applicable and acceptable solution.

Ureteral endometriosis, the hidden enemy: multivariable fractional polynomial approach for evaluation of preoperative risk factors in the absence of ureteral dilation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether it is possible to predict the risk of ureteral endometriosis (UE) using a mathematical model based on preoperative findings. DESIGN: Prospective observational study conducted between January 2017 and April 2020. SETTING: Tertiary-level academic referral center. PATIENT(S): Three hundred consecutive women of reproductive age with a diagnosis of posterior deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) scheduled for laparoscopic surgery. INTERVENTION(S): Before surgery, anamnestic data and the severity of endometriosis-related symptoms were evaluated, and all patients underwent a complete gynecological examination. Transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound were performed to map the endometriotic lesion. Ureteral involvement was surgically and histologically confirmed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): To select important risk factors for UE and determine a suitable functional form for continuous predictors, we used the multivariable fractional polynomial. RESULTS: UE was surgically found in 145 women (48.3%). Based on our multivariable polynomial mathematical model, UE was significantly associated with adenomyosis, parametrial involvement, and previous surgery for endometriosis. A posterior DIE nodule with a transverse diameter >1.8 cm was associated with a higher probability of ureteral involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior DIE nodule with a transverse diameter >1.8 cm, adenomyosis, parametrial involvement, and previous surgery for endometriosis appear to be good predictors of UE.

The unbearable burden of endometriosis: Results from a large cohort about anxiety reduction during the first outpatient evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the first outpatient evaluation on anxiety levels in women with suspected endometriosis. Secondarily, we investigated which individual characteristics exerted the greatest influence on distress levels. METHODS: Women referred to our academic center between January 2019 and March 2020 on the suspicion of endometriosis were enrolled in this prospective, observational study. Before the visit, participants answered questionnaires such as the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD) and the Spielberg State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Y6. After the visit, the STAI-Y6 was resubmitted to each woman, along with the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGII) questionnaire. Women's and physicians' satisfaction with the visit were also evaluated using a 5-point scale. RESULTS: One hundred and four women were enrolled. Anxiety levels decreased after the evaluation (STAI-Y6 60.0 ± 15.0 vs 40.8 ± 14.2, P < .001). Higher reductions were noted in patients who had higher baseline anxiety levels (est. change -24.3; 95% CI -29.2, -19.5; P < .001), had previously sought information online (est. change -15.9; 95% CI -21.4, -10.5; P < .001), and when endometriosis was not confirmed, but not in those waitlisted for surgery (est. change 1.7; 95% CI -5.9, 9.2; P 0.659). Most patients' mood improved after the examination (67%) and were satisfied with the visit (98%). CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety levels are reduced after medical examination in women with higher baseline distress and who sought information online. To create a trustful relationship with women, providing them with tailored counselling, seems essential to improve their psychological wellbeing.

Long-Term Medical Therapy after Laparoscopic Excision of Ovarian Endometriomas: Can We Reduce and Predict the Risk of Recurrence?

OBJECTIVES: Up to 32% of women experience anatomic recurrence after conservative surgery for endometriomas, while pain recurs in 10-40% of cases. Long-term postoperative hormonal therapy is recommended to prevent disease recurrence. We evaluated the efficacy of long-term therapy with estroprogestins (EPs) or progestins (Ps) in preventing endometrioma recurrence, as identifiable cysts and subjective symptoms, after laparoscopic excision. DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study included 375 women submitted to laparoscopic endometrioma excision. Women were followed up at 6 and 12 months and then yearly after surgery. Based on postoperative medical therapy, women were divided into 4 groups: nonusers, cyclic EP users, continuous EP users, and progestogen users. Materials, Setting, Methods: Anamnestic and anthropometric characteristics were collected as well as clinical and surgical data. Gynecological examination, and transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound scans were performed. Pain (numerical rating score >5) and endometrioma recurrence at ultrasound (ovarian cyst with typical sonographic features ≥10 mm in mean diameter) were recorded at each examination. The reoperation rate in women with recurrence was investigated. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 3.7 years with a maximum of 16.7 years. Most patients used EPs (119 cyclic and 61 continuous users), 95 used P, and 100 were nonusers. In 135 women (36%), endometriotic cyst recurrence was diagnosed, with a mean diameter of 18.7 ± 10.8 mm (range 10-55 mm). The median recurrent cyst-free time was 7.9 years (95% CI 5.8-10.8). Dysmenorrhea was the first symptom to reappear, affecting 162 patients (43.2%). Upon multivariable regression analysis, continuous users had a lower risk of relapse (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32-0.99), in terms of both cysts and symptom recurrence, than patients who received no medications. The reoperation rate was 16.2%. LIMITATIONS: The main limitation of this study is its retrospective design. Also, women switching therapies throughout the follow-up period were sorted into one of the study groups based on the longest treatment taken, without considering the discontinuation rates. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term EPs, administered in a continuous regimen and starting immediately after conservative surgery for endometriomas, seem to reduce the disease recurrence risk.

Use of Indocyanine Green for Intraoperative Perfusion Assessment in Women with Ureteral Endometriosis: A Preliminary Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and potential usefulness of near-infrared imaging (NIR) with indocyanine green (ICG) to assess ureteral perfusion after conservative surgery (ureterolysis or nodule removal) for ureteral endometriosis. Any changes to the surgical plan regarding intraoperative ureteral stent placement after NIR-ICG evaluation and early postoperative outcomes were recorded. DESIGN: Prospective case series study. SETTING: Tertiary level referral center for endometriosis and minimally invasive gynecology. PATIENTS: Consecutive symptomatic women scheduled for laparoscopic conservative ureteral surgery for ureteral endometriosis. INTERVENTIONS: After ureterolysis or nodule removal, residual perfusion of the ureters with regular caliber and peristalsis was evaluated through NIR-ICG imaging. Ureteral perfusion grade was defined as absent, irregular, or regular. Time required for NIR-ICG assessment, interoperator agreement regarding ureteral perfusion grade, any changes to the surgical plan after NIR-ICG evaluation, perioperative complications, and clinical-radiologic outcomes at early follow-up were recorded. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 31 ureters were examined with NIR-ICG imaging after conservative ureteral procedures. ICG assessment required 5.4 + 2.3 minutes. No complications related to fluorescence imaging were observed. Local ischemia supporting ureteral stent placement was suspected in 5 ureters (16.1%) at white light. Of these, 2 (40.0%) presented regular fluorescence; thus, ureteral stent placement was avoided. In the remaining 3 (60.0%), NIR-ICG confirmed irregular or absent fluorescence, requiring ureteral stent placement. Interoperator agreement regarding NIR-ICG evaluation was high. At a 3-month follow-up, all procedures were clinically and radiologically successful. CONCLUSION: NIR-ICG imaging after conservative surgery for ureteral endometriosis seems to be a feasible, safe, and useful tool to assess ureteral perfusion and guide surgical decision, together with other visual cues at white light. However, this approach needs to be validated by further larger and controlled studies.

Comparison of fertility outcomes after laparoscopic myomectomy for barbed versus nonbarbed sutures.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact on women's reproductive outcomes of barbed sutures to repair uterine breaches during laparoscopic myomectomy compared with traditional smooth sutures. DESIGN: Retrospective, monocentric cohort study, with information on subsequent pregnancies prospectively acquired for some women. SETTING: Tertiary-level academic referral center. PATIENT(S): Women older than 18 years who had undergone a laparoscopic myomectomy and had sought pregnancy afterward, divided into two groups based on type of suture used to repair the uterine wall: group A (nonbarbed) and group B (barbed). INTERVENTION(S): Laparoscopic removal of FIGO types 3, 4, 5, and 6 uterine leiomyomas by use of either only barbed sutures or only traditional smooth sutures to reconstruct the uterine defect. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pregnancy achievement rates, delivery modes, main pregnancy complications, perioperative complications for both kinds of suture, and the trend of the use of barbed sutures over time at our center. RESULT(S): Of 164 patients included, 83 were in group A and 81 in group B. Ninety-one patients (55.5%) experienced at least one postoperative pregnancy, with no differences between the groups (group A 60.5%; group B 50.6%). Of the 103 recorded postoperative pregnancies, 70 (68%) resulted in live births, 29 (28.1%) in first-trimester miscarriages, and 4 (3.9%) were ongoing. CONCLUSION(S): Barbed sutures have a similar impact on reproductive outcomes as smooth conventional threads, both in terms of pregnancy and obstetric complication rates, after laparoscopic myomectomy.

Adhesion barriers in laparoscopic myomectomy: Evidence from randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of different adhesion barriers in the prevention of de novo adhesion development after laparoscopic myomectomy. METHODS: A systematic review was performed by searching seven electronic databases for all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the use of any absorbable adhesion barrier (i.e. intervention group) with either no treatment or placebo (i.e. control group) in the prevention of adhesion development after laparoscopic myomectomy. RESULTS: Eight RCTs with a total of 748 participants (392 in the intervention group and 356 in the control group) were included. The assessed adhesion barrier methods were: oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) in two studies, auto-crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) gel in two studies, 4% icodextrin solution in one study, modified HA and carboxy-methylcellulose in one study, polyethylene glycol ester trilysine amine solution plus a borate buffer solution in one study, and polyethylene glycol amine plus dextran aldehyde polymers in another study. CONCLUSION: Adhesion barrier methods showing the most promising results were: ORC, auto-crosslinked HA gel, and polyethylene glycol amine plus dextran aldehyde polymers.

Feasibility and safety of laparoscopic approach in obese patients with endometriosis: a multivariable regression analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic excision of endometriotic lesions in obese women. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data involving consecutive women scheduled for complete laparoscopic removal of macroscopic endometriotic lesions between January 2012 and November 2018. Operative time, laparotomic conversion rates, complication rates, and length of hospital stay were recorded. RESULTS: One thousand two hundred thirty women were enrolled and divided into two main groups, according to the World Health Organization classification of obesity, obese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) and non-obese (body mass index < 30 kg/m2). During the study period, 91 (7.4% of overall study cohort) obese women underwent surgery. At univariate analyses, significant differences between the two groups were found in terms of age, rates of severe endometriosis, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification ≥ III, and different surgical procedures. Significant differences in terms of median operative time [125 (interquartile range (IQR) 85-165) in obese group vs 110 min (IQR 75-155) in non-obese group, P = 0.04] were observed. There were no significant differences between the obese and non-obese groups with respect to the other variables of interest. After adjusted multivariable regression models for potential confounders, difference in operating time (coefficient of 13.389; 95% CI 1.716, 25.060) was still found to be significant. CONCLUSION: In our tertiary care referral center, laparoscopic removal of endometriosis is feasible and safe, except for a slight increase of operative time and conversion rate.

Cellulose absorbable barrier for prevention of de-novo adhesion formation at the time of laparoscopic myomectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Myomectomy is the standard surgical treatment for symptomatic uterine leiomyomas, especially for patients wishing to preserve their fertility. However, this procedure is associated with adhesion formation. Several strategies have been proposed to reduce them. Cellulose absorbable barrier is widely used. We aimed to assess its effectiveness in the prevention of de-novo adhesion formation after laparoscopic myomectomy. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed by searching electronic databases (i.e. MEDLINE, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, EMBASE, Sciencedirect, the Cochrane Library at the CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials, Scielo) from their inception until May 2019. We included all randomized clinical trials (RCT) comparing use of cellulose absorbable barrier (i.e. intervention group) with either placebo or no treatment (i.e. control group) in the prevention of de-novo adhesion formation at the time of laparoscopic myomectomy. Primary and secondary outcomes were defined before data extraction. The primary outcome was the incidence of adhesions at second-look laparoscopy. The secondary outcome was the operative time. RESULTS: Three RCT, including 366 participants, were included. All trials evaluated women undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy who were randomized to intervention (either oxidized regenerated cellulose or carboxymethylcellulose powder adhesion barrier) or no treatment (control group). Women who received treatment had significantly lower incidence of adhesions at the second look laparoscopy (RR 0.63, 95 % CI 0.40-0.99). Interventions with use of cellulose absorbable barrier were 4 min longer (MD 4 min, 95 % CI 2.82-5.18). CONCLUSION: Use of cellulose absorbable barrier at the time of laparoscopic myomectomy reduces the risk of postoperative adhesions.

First Impressions Can Be Deceiving: Surgical Outcomes of Laparoscopic Myomectomy in Patients Pretreated with Ulipristal Acetate.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare enucleation time, total operative time, and perioperative complications during laparoscopic myomectomy in patients pretreated with ulipristal acetate (UPA) compared with untreated patients. DESIGN: Prospective, observational pilot study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, Sant'Orsola Academic Hospital, Bologna, Italy. PATIENTS: Seventy-four of 108 patients scheduled for laparoscopic myomectomy from January to November 2017 were enrolled. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic myomectomy following pretreatment with UPA or no hormonal pretreatment therapy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of the 74 patients who were enrolled, 29 were pretreated with UPA (UPA group), and 45 did not receive any hormonal therapy before surgery (control group). Surgeons, blinded to patient pre-operative treatment, completed a 3-item questionnaire after each procedure to evaluate surgical difficulty. Based on surgeon response, myomas in the UPA group appeared softer and more difficult to enucleate because of less clear cleavage planes than the control group. The overall difficulty of myoma detachment from the myometrium was judged considerably higher in the UPA group. Despite this, enucleation time, total operative time, and perioperative complications were not statistically different in the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Myomas in patients pretreated with UPA are subjectively less easy to enucleate; however, surgical times and perioperative outcomes are not affected by pretreatment with UPA.

Impact of Temporary Protective Ileostomy on Intestinal Function and Quality of Life after a 2-Year Follow-up in Patients Who Underwent Colorectal Segmental Resection for Endometriosis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare 2-year follow-up intestinal function and quality of life (QoL) between women with temporary protective ileostomy (PI) and recanalization and women without PI after colorectal segmental resection for deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). DESIGN: Prospective observational exploratory study. SETTING: Tertiary level referral center for minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection and PI because of DIE between January 2015 and January 2018; an equal number of women without PI were matched according to age and anamnestic findings to serve as controls. INTERVENTIONS: Realization of a PI or immediate recanalization in patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were considered for the analyses: 18 in the PI group and 18 in the non-PI group. Baseline intestinal function and QoL were evaluated using 2 validated questionnaires. The main reasons for ileostomy were colpotomy (66.7%), ultralow bowel anastomosis (27.8%), concomitant ureteroneocystostomy, and positive Michelin test result (5.6%). The mean interval between first and second surgery in the PI group was 3.7 ± 1.7 months. Perioperative severe complications included 1 stenosis of colorectal anastomosis in 1 woman in the PI group and 1 perianastomotic abscess in the non-PI group; overall the complications were comparable between the 2 groups. At the 2-year follow-up from recanalization, bowel function and QoL improved from baseline, with no statistical differences between the groups (Knowles-Eccersley-Scott-Symptom delta: 5.9 ± 9.3 in the PI group vs 7.7 ± 10.2 in the non-PI group, p = .6; Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index delta: 16.0 ± 27.5 vs 19.2 ± 24.7, p = .7). CONCLUSION: Temporary PI after colorectal resection for DIE does not seem to influence patients' bowel function and QoL at a median follow-up from recanalization at 2 years.

Liver function, tolerability and satisfaction during treatment with ulipristal acetate in women with fibroids: a single center experience.

The aim of the study was to evaluate liver function in women treated with ulipristal acetate (UPA) and to assess the tolerability and satisfaction during treatment. This Cross-sectional study included women with symptomatic uterine fibroids subjected to one or more 3-month treatment courses of 5 mg UPA daily. Following European Medical Agency's prescriptions, women were asked about symptoms potentially related to liver damage and had blood tests done, to assess serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Data on side effects, tolerability and satisfaction with the therapy were obtained during a phone interview. A total of 162 women completed the study with a mean treatment duration of 1.8 ± 0.9 cycles. No increased AST and ALT serum levels were detected and no woman reported symptoms suggestive of liver injury. The majority of women reported improvement of fibroids-related symptoms and a high degree of satisfaction with treatment. More than half of women had side effects, in most cases not as severe as to discontinue therapy. Ulipristal acetate did not worsen liver function or cause severe organ injury and showed high tolerability and satisfaction profiles. Therefore, we believe that it can still be considered a valuable option in the treatment of uterine fibroids.

The Impact of Hormonal Replacement Treatment in Postmenopausal Women with Uterine Fibroids: A State-of-the-Art Review of the Literature.

Background and Objectives: Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is effective in treating many debilitating symptoms of menopause. However, its use in women with uterine fibroids is widely debated, based on the susceptibility of these tumors to sexual steroids. This review aims to ascertain the effects of HRT on leiomyomas development and growth in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: Electronic databases (i.e., MEDLINE, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, EMBASE, Sciencedirect, the Cochrane Library at the CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials, Scielo) were searched from January 1990 until May 2019. All English-written studies evaluating the impact of various HRT regimens on uterine leiomyomas were selected. Results: Seventeen papers, considering a total of 1122 participants, were included. Fifteen of these were prospective trials, of which nine were randomized controlled trials. The remaining two works were a retrospective observational trial and a retrospective case series respectively. Five studies evaluated the effects of tibolone, also comparing it with various estrogen/progestin combinations, while two were about raloxifene. Thirteen studies compared different combinations of estrogens/progestins, the most common being transdermal estrogens (used in nine studies) and medroxyprogesterone acetate at different doses (used in 10 studies). Conclusions: For women with uterine fibroids, the choice of the most appropriate HRT regimen is crucial to avoid leiomyomas growth and the symptoms possibly related to it. Available data are conflicting, but suggest that uterine fibroids might be influenced by HRT, without representing an absolute contraindication to hormonal replacement therapy. Women with uterine fibroids subjected to HRT should be periodically examined and hormonal treatment should be discontinued if leiomyomas appear to increase in size. Moreover, the minimal effective dose of progestin should be employed.

Hormonal Replacement Therapy in Menopausal Women with History of Endometriosis: A Review of Literature.

Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is effective in treating the symptoms of menopause. Endometriosis is defined as the presence of functional endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity with a tendency towards invasion and infiltration. Being an estrogen-dependent disease, it tends to regress after menopause. Nevertheless, it affects up to 2.2% of postmenopausal women. Conclusive data are not available in the literature on the appropriateness of HRT in women with endometriosis or a past history of the disease. The hypothesis that exogenous estrogen stimulation could reactivate endometriotic foci has been proposed. The aim of this state-of-the-art review was to revise the current literature about endometriosis in perimenopause and menopause and to investigate the possible role of HRT in this setting of patients. An electronic databases search (MEDLINE, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, EMBASE, Sciencedirect, the Cochrane Library at the CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials, Scielo) was performed, with the date range of from each database's inception until May 2019. All of the studies evaluating the impact of different HRT regimens in patients with a history of endometriosis were selected. 45 articles were found: one Cochrane systematic review, one systematic review, five narrative reviews, two clinical trials, two retrospective cohort studies, 34 case reports and case series. Some authors reported an increased risk of malignant transformation of endometriomas after menopause in patients assuming HRT with unopposed estrogen. Low-quality evidence suggests that HRT can be prescribed to symptomatic women with a history of endometriosis, especially in young patients with premature menopause. Continuous or cyclic combined preparations or tibolone are the best choices. HRT improves quality of life in symptomatic post-menopausal women, who should not be denied the replacement therapy only due to their history of endometriosis. Based on low-grade literature evidence, we recommend to prescribe combined HRT schemes; tibolone could be considered.